This collection was donated by the Chicago Historical Society in 1983. Chicago Historical Society retains all copyright. The Chicago Historical Society acquired the collection after Mr. Green retired in 1968 and sold the building with his studio. After surveying the collection they donated part of it to the Hild Regional Library.

Biographical Note

Henry Delorval Green was born in Linwood, Nebraska on November 24th, 1896. He moved to Chicago in the 1920s and opened a photography studio in the Merchandise Mart. During the depression he worked for the Federal Art Project under Works Progress Administration auspices. He moved to the Lake View neighborhood during World War II and set up his studio, taking photographs of many weddings, private celebrations and civic events, in addition to commercial assignments for local businesses. He was also employed as a “stringer” for several neighborhood newspapers. His wife, Doris, worked with him, taking care of the business accounts, and his son, Thomas, worked with him as a photographer after serving in the war. Mr. Green retired in 1968, and died in Chicago on March 26th, 1984.

Scope and Content

The photographs depict everyday life on Chicago’s North Side during the 1940s and early 1950s. Many of his photographs reflect the home front during World War II in local businesses and clubs, as well as activities in neighborhood schools and parks. All photographs are black and white, mostly 8 x 10 inches. Most have corresponding 4 x 5 negatives, though not all. Additional materials by Henry Delorval Green are held at the Chicago History Museum.

Arrangement/Series Description

Original order has been lost and the collection is now organized into the following subjects: